自衛隊練習艦隊歓迎式挨拶 2006年7月10日在ヒューストン日本国総領事 加茂佳彦
Admiral Sasaki, Welcome to Texas and Galveston:
Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas, Council Member Patricia Bolton-Legg, City Manager Steve Leblane, distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen:
Good Morning to you all! It is a great pleasure and honor for me to be here with you today as we welcome the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron to Galveston. I very much appreciate everyone here, especially, Mayor Thomas, members of Galveston City Council, Galveston City Hall, and the Port Authority of Galveston, for organizing such a wonderful welcoming ceremony for the Japanese Training Squadron.
This Training Squadron has been on an overseas tour since last April in order to deepen their knowledge of the world and promote goodwill across the globe. The visit of the Squadron to Texas, the first time in almost 30 years, is one stop in their 6 country, 12 city tour of North America.
To carry out their mission, many events, such as open ship tours, Maritime brass band concerts, and taiko drumming performances, will be held during their stay in Texas. I am quite sure that excellent performances by a highly-skilled Maritime brass band and dynamic and heart-pounding performances by a traditional Japanese drum(taiko) group will impress and amuse you. There is also a precious opportunity for you to come on board and explore the ships.
I am confident that these events will help to further promote the friendly relationship that exists between our two nations, as well as to help better understand each other.
Lastly, again, Mayor Thomas, members of Galveston City Council, Port Authority of Galveston, and City Hall of Galveston, and others involved in arranging this ceremony, please accept my sincere thanks for your warm welcome extended to Rear Admiral Sasaki and his Training Squadron. This is a delightful and memorable occasion and we truly appreciate your kindness and hospitality.
Thank you.